A simple technique to synthesise vertically aligned boron nitride nanosheets at 1200°C

In order to make the synthesis of boron nitride nanosheets (BNNS) easier and safe, a very simple technique is introduced in the present study. In this technique BNNS are synthesised in a conventional horizontal dual zone quartz tube furnace at 1200°C. Field emission scanning electron microscopy image shows the morphology of synthesised BNNS like spread out cotton packs. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images show highly crystalline nature of synthesised nanosheets of boron nitride with an interlayer spacing of 0.34 nm. Raman spectrum shows a major peak at 1366 (cm−1) that corresponds to E2g mode of h-BN. X-ray photon spectroscopy survey shows B 1s (at 191 eV) and N 1s (at 398 eV) peaks that verify the boron and nitrogen contents in synthesised nanosheets.